Show displays PTHS art talent

Friday

Apr 19, 2013 at 2:29 PMApr 19, 2013 at 2:33 PM

Lois Westermeyer

Clay sculptures and an abundance of paintings, collages and other mixed media artwork from Pontiac Township High School students now graces the gallery walls at the Community Art Center.Following a successful two-week showing of artwork from Flanagan-Cornell High School students, the Pontiac art center opened a show for PTHS students Wednesday. The show will run through April 30.Art instructor Nick Vogt said the pieces displayed represent the work of about 40 students, with all four grade levels represented.“We have juried art shows, which were just held for this year, but this gallery setting is new and it has created a lot of enthusiasm among students,” Vogt said during a special opening celebration. “Even though the show just opened, I think it is already motivating students for next year.”Currently, there are 155 students enrolled in PTHS art classes and Vogt said next year there would be about 170 students.Many students, parents and art enthusiasts were on hand for the gallery opening.“I like viewing the other art displayed more than showing my own,” said Jenna Salvator, whose clay sculpture had won an award at a recent juried art show. “In class and looking at others’ work I can learn new things, which is what I love about art.”“You can express your emotions and creativity in a way that you can’t put into your everyday classes,” added student Chloe Mayback, who was also showing a variety of work.Community Art Center volunteer Dorothy Patterson, who helped organize the student shows along with Lisa Mayback, said the student shows are something the center wants to build upon for next year.“We sent out information to all the high schools about doing shows for their art students and Pontiac and Flanagan-Cornell are the only two that responded. Maybe next year, as the high schools learn what these are about, we’ll have more participate. I think this is very good for the students, the schools and the art center,” she said.Vogt said he is especially thankful for the chance to display his students’ works at a time when some schools are cutting such programs.“Art is another outlet for students to express themselves. It is especially important for the students who can shine in this area that don’t necessarily shine in others. And arts are everywhere, in design and advertising,” said the fifth-year teacher at PTHS.“I give students the basics, since art instruction has been cut at the grade school level. I give the students ideas and they take off with that, they work together to come up with amazing projects that far exceed my expectations. I’m blessed with the good work they create.”Student Gabe Ruiz, accompanied by his proud mother, Liby Andrews, and younger brother, Luke Morrissette, said he enjoyed taking materials and refashioning them into something totally new.“I love art, it allows us to show people we’re here,” he added.“They have a wonderful teacher who gives them time to show their creative side. He gives them the time to be very creative,” Andrews added.“There is a lot of talent on display, which makes the show very exciting,” stated Patterson. “The students didn’t know really what to expect this first time, but I think they’re pretty excited to see the displays laid out. It’s a gallery of their work and they should be very proud of that.”The Pontiac Community Art Center is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.